Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe

Imagine biting into a warm, fragrant Baked Apple Fritter with Glaze that offers all the sweet cinnamon-apple goodness of traditional fritters without the mess of deep-frying. These golden-brown pastries combine tender chunks of spiced apples with a fluffy dough that bakes to perfection in your oven. The crowning glory is a sweet vanilla glaze that creates a delicate crackle with every bite. You’ll learn how to create these irresistible treats that bring the beloved flavors of apple fritters home in a healthier, easier way that’s perfect for weekend brunches or special treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, they deliver all the flavor of classic apple fritters but with significantly less oil since they’re baked rather than fried. The texture contrast is simply divine – crisp, caramelized edges give way to a tender interior studded with soft, cinnamon-laced apple pieces.

The preparation process is surprisingly straightforward, requiring no special equipment or techniques. You can mix everything by hand in just minutes. Plus, these homemade apple fritters fill your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma of warm spices and baked apples that no candle can replicate. They’re versatile too – perfect for breakfast with coffee, as an afternoon treat, or warmed slightly for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the natural flavor of the apples.

Ingredients

For the apple fritters:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2/3 cup (160ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (about 2 medium) apples, peeled and diced small (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the glaze:

• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

The star ingredients are the apples – choose firm varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter profile. The cinnamon and nutmeg create that classic apple fritter flavor, while the lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a hint of brightness.

Pro Tips

Perfect Apple Preparation: Cut your apples into small, uniform dice (about 1/4-inch pieces) to ensure they cook evenly and create the perfect texture in your baked apple fritters. Larger chunks may remain too firm, while overly small pieces will disappear into the batter. Tossing the diced apples with lemon juice not only prevents browning but also brightens the flavor.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: For tender, fluffy fritters, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense fritters. Small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will bake out. Fold in the apples gently to maintain their integrity while ensuring even distribution.

Glaze Temperature Matters: Apply the glaze when the fritters are still warm (not hot) for the perfect consistency. If glazed while too hot, the glaze will simply run off; if too cool, it won’t adhere properly. For an extra-special finish, consider double-glazing: apply a thin layer, allow it to set for 5 minutes, then add a second coat for that classic bakery-style finish and enhanced sweetness.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, toss your peeled and diced apples with the tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside while you prepare the batter. This step ensures your baked apple fritters maintain vibrant apple pieces throughout.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined. Make sure to break up any lumps in the flour to ensure a smooth batter. The fragrant spices will already start to build that classic apple fritter aroma.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Add the milk, melted butter (make sure it’s not too hot), and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold everything together until just combined. The batter should be thick and a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing at this stage will result in tough fritters.

Step 5: Add the Apples
Drain any excess liquid from the diced apples, then gently fold them into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and chunky, which is exactly what you want for authentic apple fritter texture.

Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a large cookie scoop or 1/4-cup measure, drop mounds of batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each mound with the back of a spoon. Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the fritters are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach a pourable but thick consistency.

Step 8: Glaze the Fritters
Allow the fritters to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack with parchment paper underneath (to catch drips). While still warm, spoon the glaze over each fritter, allowing it to drip down the sides. For an extra-special touch, apply a second coat of glaze after the first has set for about 5 minutes.

Variations

Caramel Apple Fritters: Transform your baked apple fritters with glaze into a caramel lover’s dream by adding 1/4 cup of caramel bits to the batter along with the apples. Then substitute the vanilla glaze with a caramel glaze by using 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce in place of some of the milk. The result is a delightful treat with pockets of gooey caramel throughout.

Maple Pecan Apple Fritters: Add 1/3 cup of toasted, chopped pecans to the batter for delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Replace the vanilla in both the batter and glaze with maple extract, and use pure maple syrup instead of some of the milk in the glaze. This variation celebrates fall flavors beautifully and offers a more complex flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Apple Fritters: Make these treats accessible to everyone by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it to help with texture. The results are just as delicious, with no one the wiser that they’re enjoying a gluten-free version of this classic treat.

Storage and Serving

These baked apple fritters with glaze taste best the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The glaze may soften slightly during storage, but the flavor remains delicious. To refresh them, warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

For an elevated breakfast experience, serve warm fritters alongside a steaming mug of coffee or spiced chai tea. They also make a wonderful dessert when slightly warmed and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream with a dusting of cinnamon. For brunch gatherings, create a beautiful display by stacking the fritters on a cake stand and garnishing with thin apple slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an impressive presentation.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best not to make the batter too far in advance as the baking powder will lose its effectiveness. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead and store them in an airtight container, then add the wet ingredients just before baking.

Why did my fritters turn out dense?
Dense fritters usually result from overmixing the batter. Remember to mix just until the ingredients are combined and to fold in the apples gently.

Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears work wonderfully as a substitute. Firmer fruits like peaches or nectarines can also work well when diced small. Adjust spices accordingly to complement your chosen fruit.

My glaze is too thin/thick. How do I fix it?
If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Can these fritters be frozen?
Yes! Freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before glazing.

Conclusion

This Baked Apple Fritters with Glaze Recipe is comfort food at its finest — homey, fragrant treats that deliver all the pleasure of traditional fritters without the hassle of deep frying. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary mornings into special occasions and makes your kitchen the most popular place in the house. Whether enjoyed as a weekend breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or rustic dessert, these apple-studded delights bring bakery-quality goodness to your table with surprising ease. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and sweet glaze creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

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